The Eastern Cape Department of Health says it will ramp up the immunisation of children against measles following an outbreak in five other provinces.
The department says the province has recorded two measles cases in Nelson Mandela Bay and King Sabata Dalindyebo.
Spokesperson to the MEC, Mkhululi Ndamase says after the two cases were recorded, children aged between six months and 15-years who live within a 5 kilometer radius were immunised to prevent further spread.
"A 14-year-old girl in Nelson Mandela Bay who just returned from Zanzibar and a four-year-old boy in King Sabata Dalindyebo were diagnosed with measles," Ndamase said.
He added that while measles is a highly infectious disease, no additional cases have been detected.
He says teams have also been visiting schools to offer the immunisation jab to learners who have been granted consent by their parents.
Ndamase says MEC Nomakhosazana Meth has hired 162 vehicles for immunisation and 436 nurses have been working in communities to vaccinate children.
"We have also trained 436 nurses who have been working in communities, vaccinating children and encouraging parents to get their children protected against measles.
"Measles can be spread easily between people with one person infecting up to 18 people. So, it is important to protect our children by immunising them," he added.
Meanwhile, the department says it will provide a vitamin A supplement and will deworm children between six months and 59 months to boost their immune system.
It says deworming is beneficial for increasing nutritional intake, preventing anaemia and mostly reducing worm infections.
The main measles symptoms include fever and a rash which is not itchy nor painful.
Children with a severe infection can also suffer diarrhoea and dehydration and experience symptoms of blindness.
The Department of Health says measles is one of the highly contagious diseases and is more easily spread in children under 5 years and children with co-morbidities
